Birding – A Popular Activity for Snowbirds in Florida

By Jill Wykes - Snowbirdadvisor.ca

Canadian snowbirds have lots of activities to choose from when they spend the winter in Florida, but one of the biggest attractions in the Sunshine State is observing and photographing the myriad of birds that flock there for the winter, along with the many unique species that make Florida their home year-round.

Believe it or not, Birding is the second most popular activity, after beach activities, for time spent outdoors. There are many ways to enjoy Birding ranging from general interest in birds you see every day to carrying binoculars and visiting natural habitats, touring bird sanctuaries and photography.

Florida is known internationally to be one of the best places in the world for Birding. The sheer variety of birds is amazing, with wading birds, hawks, eagles and subtropical birds as well as migrating birds at certain times of the year.

Birds you can see during the Florida winters

The birds you will most likely see during the winter are not migrating – either they live in Florida or, like you, they are staying for the winter.

The most common birds you’ll see are big wading birds such as herons and egrets, along with Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills and White and Glossy ibises. Then there are Ospreys, American bald eagles, Turkey Vultures and pelicans.

If you’re hoping to see the iconic flamingos, you will have to go to the Miami area and the southwest Everglades.

Where to look for different species

Great fun for anyone visiting a Florida beach includes watching Brown Pelicans dive into the water. These birds have become quite tame in Florida and will let you get pretty close. At the beach you will also see many different shorebirds such as sandpipers, seagulls, terns and skimmers.

In the mangrove swamp areas you can find large wading birds, as well as smaller birds like the Mangrove Cuckoo.

Further inland there is prairie like terrain where you’ll will find birds such as the Sandhill Crane, Crested Caracara, American kestrel and Loggerhead Shrike.

Sanctuaries, refuges and trails…

Here are some great places to explore in Florida where you are guaranteed to see lots of birds:

1. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with over 500 birding and wildlife viewing spots.
2. Everglades National Park for a wide range of water birds.
3. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island also has many water birds.
4. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples has a boardwalk trail through a range of bird habitats including a virgin Bald Cypress swamp.
5. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail can be explored by car. You’ll see water birds and prairie birds here.
6. Grassy Waters Preserve in Palm Beach County has a nature center and a 1,500 ft. boardwalk overlooking both prairie and marshland. There’s also a lake where you can fish and take a guided canoe trip.
7. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge—and if you go in January you might catch the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.
8. Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys is a long drive but worth it!

Tips from Birding experts….

We sought out some Birding experts for advice on Birding in Florida, and these experts have provided some excellent advice to get you started:

• You will need a guide book to birds in Florida to take with you when searching for birds. You will find these guide books widely available in bookstores, local gift shops and stores located on local nature reserves and bird sanctuaries.
• Check out maps and online sources that tell you where to find specific types of birds and at what time of year.
• Invest in a pair of binoculars and make sure you know how to use them. Keep them handy at all times.
• Investigate any guided trips that are offered at local reserves and bird sanctuaries. Learn from experts and experienced birders.

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